Orla Higgins Averill

The strategic plan, titled "Thrive 2030," outlines a vision to nurture, challenge, and empower every student daily within an inclusive learning community. Its mission is to enable all students to thrive, embrace challenges, and shape their futures with confidence, curiosity, and joy. The plan is underpinned by core values such as diversity, student well-being, empathy, excellence, love of learning, equity, inclusion, and opportunity, encapsulated in the "Thrive Promise" to develop students' minds, hearts, and bonds for independent navigation and positive global impact. It also incorporates systemwide goals and a "Portrait of a Learner" framework, emphasizing the acquisition of rigorous academic content alongside critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and other essential 21st-century skills.

The Newton Public Schools 2030 Thrive Plan is a five-year strategic roadmap designed to ensure every student succeeds academically and thrives socially, emotionally, and in life beyond school. The plan is structured around four strategic goals: ensuring excellent, coherent teaching and supports; fostering thriving students through holistic development; strengthening community engagement via inclusive communication and partnerships; and building operational strength with a human resources vision for an innovative workplace. It is guided by 'Portrait of a Learner' competencies and aims to achieve student success and well-being through a collective commitment from all stakeholders.

The memorandum discusses the staffing reconciliation for the 2013-2014 school year. It compares the original budget, adjusted budget, and actual FTEs by position type and department. The current year staffing exceeds the adjusted budget due to the need for more in-district support for students requiring special education services. The additional positions were funded through turnover savings and savings in the out-of-district tuition account.

The Student Services update includes information on special education aides, preschool enrollment, contracted services, out-of-district tuitions, and transportation. It discusses vacancies for aides, the number of students in out-of-district placements, enrollment in the Newton Early Childhood Program, the forecast for contracted services, and the number of students receiving Special Education Transportation.

The statement outlines Newton Public Schools' commitment to equity and antiracism, emphasizing the importance of creating a culture where all students can thrive. It focuses on honoring diverse identities, giving voice to underrepresented groups, promoting self-reflection on racial identity, building capacity for antiracist practices among educators, and ensuring inclusive hiring practices. The ultimate goal is to dismantle racism within the schools and communities through sustained action, continuous learning, and the implementation of culturally responsive instruction.